News

Capitol briefly evacuated after alarm

by Jesse Byrnes - 05/26/15 1:33 PM ET

The U.S. Capitol and the Visitor Center were briefly evacuated by police early Tuesday afternoon after alarms sounded in both buildings.

U.S. Capitol Police and D.C. firefighters are investigating the cause of the audible alarm, according to U.S. Capitol Police spokeswoman Lt. Kimberly Schneider.

{mosads}”There are no signs of smoke or fire,” she said.

Police temporarily closed area streets, including First Street between Constitution and Independence Avenues in front of the Supreme Court and Library of Congress, and East Capitol Street between First and Second Streets.

An evacuation message was also reportedly sent out to congressional offices.

Staff members were allowed back into the Capitol about an hour later, and in the Visitor Center shortly after when police cleared both buildings.

— This report will be updated as more information becomes available.

Tags United States Capitol